Manu Samoa rugby coach Stephen Betham has named an extended 47-man squad for upcoming test matches against Japan, Tonga, Italy and Fiji.
The squad includes 19 players from Europe, 18 from Samoa, with the rest spread between Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Vinnie Wylie reports.
"Extra players have been included because the Japan test on Friday is outside the IRB window meaning professional players are not obliged to be released by their clubs.
Stephen Betham says the upside to that is local players will be given an opportunity to impress at test level.
24 players will travel to Tokyo while the rest of the team will assemble in Auckland on Sunday to prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup opener against Tonga on June the 7th.
Meanwhile Chiefs assistant coach Tom Coventry and Hurricanes assistant Alama Ieremia have been added to the management team to help the Manu prepare for next year's World Cup."
The full squad:
Census Johnston Toulouse, France
James Johnston Saracens, UK
Sakaria Taulafo Stade Français , France
Logovii Mulipola Leicester Tigers, UK
Anthony Perenise Bath Rugby, UK
Aniseko Sio Vaimoso Rugby Club, Samoa
Jake Grey Scopa Rugby Club, Samoa
Sam Aiono Counties Manukau ITM
Raymold Salu Marist Samoa Rugby Club, Samoa
Ropeti Lafo Marist Samoa Rugby Club, Samoa
Andrew Viliamu Marist Samoa Rugby Club, Samoa
Tii Paulo Clermont , France
Wayne Ole Avei Bordeaux, France
Faatiga Lemalu Sanixx Blues Japan
Maselino Paulino Apia Rugby Club, Samoa
Kane Thompson Chiefs, NZ
Teofilo Paulo Cardiff Blues, Wales
Daniel Leo Perpignan, France
Piula Faasalele Casters, France
Levi Asi Faamatala Vailele Rugby Club, Samoa
Faalemiga Selesele Moataa Rugby Club, Samoa
Oneone Faafou Vaiala Rugby Club, Samoa
Misioka Timoteo Vaiala Rugby Club, Samoa
Lio Lolo Apia Rugby Club, Samoa
Maurie Faasavalu Harlequins, UK
Jack Lam Hurricanes, NZ
Ofisa Treviranus London Irish, UK
Faifili Levave Hurricanes, NZ
Kahn Fotualii Northampton Saints, UK
Jeremy Sua Worcester Worriers, UK
Vavao Afemai Vaiala Rugby Club, Samoa
Vaiofoga Simanu Tepatasi Rugby Club, Samoa
Tusiata Pisi Suntory, Japan
Patrick Faapale Vaiala Rugby Club, Samoa
David Lemi Worcester Worriers, UK
Tulolo Tulolo Vaimoso Rugby Club, Samoa
Fautua Otto Bristol UK
Reupena Levasa Vailele Rugby Club, Samoa
Brando Vaaulu Sunnybank Dragons, Australia
Kaino Fuataga Vaiala Rugby Club, Samoa
Meki Magele Marist Samoa Rugby Club, Samoa
Johnny Leota Sale Sharks, UK
Alapati Leiua Hurricanes, NZ
George Pisi Northampton Saints, UK
Anitelea Tuilagi Vaiala Rugby Club, Samoa
James Sooialo Wellington ITM Tawa, NZ
Faatoina Autagavaia Northampton Saints, UK
